News: St. Joseph, Missouri native Martin Rucker signed with the Chiefs, his fourth team since joining the NFL out of Missouri in 2008. The 6-5, 251-pound former 4th-round draft choice of Cleveland played in 12 games in four seasons with the Browns, Cowboys and Jaguars.
Analysis: The tight end isn't expected to be a regular contributor to the Chiefs and shouldn't be a part of Fantasy teams.
News: The Jacksonville Jaguars placed TE Martin Rucker on season-ending injured reserve with a back injury Tuesday. Rucker appeared in just one game with Jacksonville and did not record a reception. He has just two catches for 17 yards in his three-year career.
Analysis: Rucker wasn't a major contributor for the Jaguars after being signed off the Cowboys' practice squad in mid-October. Jacksonville is also set at the position with Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller so Rucker's chances were limited. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Jaguars signed TE Martin Rucker off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on Tuesday. He took the roster spot vacated by TE Zach Miller when he was placed on injured reserve.
Analysis: Rucker will help to provide some roster depth, but he will not be in line for many pass targets. He should remain unowned in Fantasy.
News: The Cowboys released TE Martin Rucker and LB Isaiah Greenhouse on Tuesday, while signing DB Frank Walker to help a banged up secondary.
Analysis: Rucker and Greenhouse were merely roster depth for Dallas. Continue to ignore them in Fantasy.
News: The Cowboys signed practice squad TE Martin Rucker to their active roster Wednesday. Rucker is expecting to play his first game since 2008 this in the Week 13 game against the Colts. ”This is why you play," Rucker said. "For moments like this. I’m excited about the opportunity to get out there and show what I can do.”
Analysis: Rucker played in five games for the Browns back in 2008 but hasn't seen the field since. Continue to ignore him in Fantasy play.
News: The Cowboys have signed several players to finalize their practice squad on Sunday: WR Jesse Holley, WR Manuel Johnson, RB Lonyae Miller, TE Martin Rucker, G Travis Bright and CB Teddy Williams.
Analysis: None of these players are expected to play a significant role for the Cowboys this season. Ignore them in all leagues in 2010.
News: The Cowboys signed TE Martin Rucker on Friday, releasing rookie QB Matt Nichols in the process. The team put a claim in for Rucker last week but he was claimed instead by the Bucs, who have since released him because he failed a physical. Rucker said his hamstring is getting better and he should be able to practice with the team on Monday. “It’s almost there. I need a few more days and I’ll be fine,” he said.
Analysis: The Cowboys are thin at tight end, so Rucker is a welcomed addition there. But until he lands regular playing time he won't help you in Fantasy. Keep him off rosters.
News: The Buccaneers announced Wednesday that they have signed RB Carlos Brown and waived/failed physical TE Martin Rucker. Brown joins the Buccaneers after spending time with the New Orleans Saints. He originally entered the league with the Saints on April 24 as an undrafted free agent after playing collegiately at Michigan. Rucker had been claimed by the Buccaneers off of waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday.
Analysis: Rucker will look to latch on with a new team, but he has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they have claimed TE Martin Rucker off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. Rucker joins the Buccaneers after spending one season on Philadelphia�s practice squad. He originally entered the league with the Cleveland Browns as a fourth-round draft pick (111th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Analysis: Rucker will likely provide depth for the Bucs if he makes the final roster, and he will also play on special teams. Rucker has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues.
News: The Eagles have released TE Martin Rucker, opting to sign TE Nate Lawrie. Rucker, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, has been hampered by a sore hamstring throughout camp. Lawrie has had stints with five NFL teams, including the Eagles' practice squad in 2004. Last season, he played for Sacramento of the United Football League.
Analysis: Neither of these tight ends will help you win your league. Keep both off of Fantasy rosters.
News: Eagles have listed the following players as inactive for Week 17 at Dallas: DB Geoffrey Pope, DB Quintin Demps, WR Kevin Curtis, TE Martin Rucker, DL Trevor Laws and 3rd QB Michael Vick.
Analysis: Vick is dressed as the emergency QB, but Philadelphia is hoping to keep him on the bench. The rest of the players above have no Fantasy value at this time and can be left off Fantasy rosters heading into next year.
News: Eagles QB Michael Vick, WR Kevin Curtis, DB Quintin Demps, DB Geoffrey Pope, TE Martin Rucker and DL Trevor Laws have all been ruled inactive for Week 16 vs. Denver.
Analysis: Vick is dressed as the emergency QB, but Philadelphia is hoping to keep him on the bench in Week 16, so he doesn't suffer a setback from his quad injury. No one on this list is going to cause a big stir in Fantasy. Keep them reserved for Week 16.
News: Philadelphia RB Eldra Buckley and TE Martin Rucker both went without stats despite being active for the Week 15 win over San Francisco.
Analysis: There is a chance Brian Westbrook returns in Week 16 against Denver and that means Buckley is worth even less than before. Both of these players can be left on waivers for Week 16.
News: The Eagles have announced the following players as inactive for Week 15 QB Kevin Kolb, WR Jeremy Maclin, DB Geoffrey Pope, RB Brian Westbrook, TE Martin Rucker and DL Darren Howard.
Analysis: Maclin and Westbrook are both Fantasy-viable guys when healthy, but were ruled out earlier in the week so you should have benched them already. Continue to ignore the other guys in all leagues.
News: For the second straight week, Browns coach Eric Mangini has waived a high draft pick of Cleveland's previous regime. Tight end Martin Rucker, a fourth-round selection in 2008, was waived by the Browns (0-2) on Tuesday along with defensive back Marquis Floyd.
Analysis: Neither Rucker nor Floyd was considered a viable Fantasy option or someone who would see much of the field for the Browns this season. Keep them both on waivers in all leagues.
News: RB James Davis, WR Marquis Floyd, RB Cedric Peerman, WR Brian Robiskie, TE Martin Rucker and QB Brett Ratliff were all listed as inactive for Week 2's game at Denver.
Analysis: Aside from Davis, none of the players on this list are expected to have any Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on waivers in all leagues.
News: Browns TE Robert Royal, a free agent pickup from Buffalo, has dropped several passes during camp. Coach Eric Mangini said that Royal was quite sure-handed when he saw Royal play during his coaching stints in New England and New York. Meanwhile, second-year TE Martin Rucker, who is battling with Royal and Steve Heiden for playing time at that position, lost 10 pounds during the offseason to improve his speed and quickness. He is now at about 243 pounds.
Analysis: We're not sure who is going to win the job to replace Kellen Winslow even though Royal likely has the edge, but none of these options are good for Fantasy owners. Keep all three on the waiver wire, even the starter.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Browns TE Martin Rucker is hoping to replace the departed Kellen Winslow and start for Cleveland this year. "The door is open," Rucker said. "This is a great opportunity for me." Rucker's competition for the starting tight-end job with the Browns seems to be free agent Robert Royal. Also in the mix should be veteran backup Steve Heiden. "I hope it's my time," Rucker said.
Analysis: We're not sure who is going to win the job to replace Winslow even though Royal likely has the edge, but none of these options are good for Fantasy owners. Rucker has the most upside, but you'll have to see if he can get on the field and make plays. Don't plan on drafting any of these guys in Fantasy leagues this year, but the eventual starter could be added off the waiver wire if he starts out the season playing well and making plays.
News: The Akron Beacon Journal reports Browns TE Steve Heiden, who tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee Dec. 15, will battle Robert Royal and Martin Rucker for Kellen Winslow's old job if he's ready for training camp.
Analysis: We're not sure who is going to win the job to replace Winslow even though Royal likely has the edge, but none of these options are good for Fantasy owners. Keep all three on the waiver wire, even the starter.
News: The Canton Repository reports Browns president Mike Keenan is confident the team can replace TE Kellen Winslow Jr., who was traded to Tampa Bay this offseason, with the trio of Steve Heiden, Martin Rucker and Robert Royal. "We feel comfortable having Steve Heiden, who's coming off a hand injury, but he'd been healthy," Keenan said. "Martin Rucker, who we drafted last year, and Robert Royal. The production among the three of them compared to what Kellen put in there. ... We feel that's something we can work with."
Analysis: None of these players can produce at Winslow's level, so the safe bet in all leagues is to ignore all three. If any of them start to play well early in the season then add the best one off the waiver wire. Of the three, Rucker has the most upside.
News: Browns FB Charles Ali, WR Syndric Steptoe, TE Martin Rucker and FB Lawrence Vickers all dressed for Cleveland's Week 16 loss to Cincinnati, but failed to record an offensive statistic.
Analysis: None of these players has any Fantasy value, so continue to ignore them in all in Week 17 at Pittsburgh.
News: Browns tight end Steve Heiden has torn ligaments in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season. Heiden injured the ACL during Cleveland's 30-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Browns coach Romeo Crennel says Heiden will undergo surgery Thursday. Heiden has been starting in place of the injured Kellen Winslow, and the Browns are now down to third-string tight end Darnell Dinkins and rookie Martin Rucker.
Analysis: With the Browns going with Ken Dorsey at QB don't expect Rucker or Dinkins to ever be viable Fantasy tight ends this season. They should definitely not be owned in Week 16 against the Bengals.
News: Browns WR Syndric Steptoe, RB Jason Wright, RB Charles Ali, TE Martin Rucker and QB Bruce Gradkowski didn't record offensive statistics Week 15 at Philadelphia.
Analysis: None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers for Week 16 against the Bengals.
News: Browns TE Martin Rucker, TE Darnell Dinkins, TE Jed Collins and QB Bruce Gradkowski all dressed for Cleveland's Week 14 loss to the Titans, but failed to record an offensive statistic.
Analysis: None of these players has any Fantasy value, so continue to ignore them all in Week 15 at Philadelphia.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, rookie TE Martin Rucker will become more involved in the game plan with Kellen Winslow unable to play Coach Romeo Crennel said.
Analysis: Rucker moves up one spot on the depth chart with Rucker out but still won't matter yet in Fantasy.
News: Browns TE Martin Rucker made his first reception of the season Week 13 against the Colts, hauling in a nine-yard pass. He was also appearing in his first game of the season.
Analysis: Rucker clearly resides too far down the depth chart to matter in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers for Week 14 at Tennessee.
News: Browns WR Josh Cribbs, QB Brady Quinn and TE Martin Rucker all dressed, but failed to record an offensive stat Week 8 against the Jaguards.
Analysis: Cribbs is a special teams guru. Quinn is the Browns' future QB. And Rucker is a backup tight end. They all have little to no offensive role at this time and should be kept off most Fantasy rosters. The Browns play the Ravens Week 9.
News: Cleveland lists the following players as being inactive for Week 7 against Washington: QB Ken Dorsey (3rd QB), DB Mike Adams, LB Beau Bell, DL Shaun Smith and TE Martin Rucker.
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved for Week 7. When healthy, they have minimal Fantasy value.
News: The Browns' list of inactives for Week 6 against the Giants includes QB Ken Dorsey, DB Sean Jones, DB Hamza Abdullah, TE Martin Rucker and DL Shaun Smith.
Analysis: Jones has some Fantasy value in IDP leagues when healthy, but he's still recovering from knee surgery. All of these other players should remain on waivers.
News: The Browns inactives for Week 4 against the Bengals are QB Ken Dorsey (third QB), DB Sean Jones, LB Willie McGinest, LB Beau Bell and TE Martin Rucker.
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved for Week 4. When healthy, they have minimal Fantasy value.
News: Browns TE Martin Rucker (knee) has been ruled out for Week 4 at Cincinnati. Rucker has yet to play a down in his NFL career.
Analysis: The Browns have high hopes for Rucker, who will serve as a backup tight end to Kellen Winslow when healthy. However, he is more important to his real team than Fantasy owners. Ignore him until further notice.
News: The Cleveland Browns have announced the inactives for their Week 3 game at Baltimore. The following players will not dress: QB Ken Dorsey, WR Donte Stallworth, SS Sean Jones, LB Willie McGinest, LB Chris Griffin, and TE Martin Rucker.
Analysis: Stallworth is the only guy in his list with any real Fantasy value, so be sure to bench him if you own him in any leagues. The rest of the guys you can just continue to ignore.
News: The Browns listed DB Sean Jones among their inactives for Week 2 against the Steelers. He's expected to miss a month following knee surgery, though. Other Browns inactives include QB Ken Dorsey, LB Beau Bell, DL Ahtyba Rubin and TE Martin Rucker.
Analysis: Jones has some appeal in IDP leagues when healthy and active, which obviously isn't the case now. None of these other players deserves a roster spot in any Fantasy league.
News: Browns TE Martin Rucker (knee) has been ruled out Week 2 vs. Pittsburgh. He did not practice all week and missed the opener against Dallas. Rucker had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in mid-August and is still a few weeks away from making his NFL debut.
Analysis: The Browns have high hopes for Rucker, who will serve as a backup tight end to Kellen Winslow when healthy. However, he is more important to his real team than Fantasy owners. Ignore him until further notice.
News: The Browns listed the following players as inactive for Week 1 vs. Dallas: Ken Dorsey (third QB), WR/KR Joshua Cribbs, DB Brodney Pool, OL Ryan Tucker, LB Kris Griffin, DL Ahtyba Rubin and TE Martin Rucker.
Analysis: None of the players on this list other than Josh Cribbs are going to be in line for considerable playing time anytime soon. But Cribbs is more of a kick returning threat than he is as a receiver anyway. Leave them on the waiver wire in all Fantasy leagues until further notice. They've got some depth chart climbing to do.
News: Browns TE Martin Rucker (knee) has been ruled out Week 1 vs. Dallas. He did not practice all week. Rucker had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in mid-August and is still a few weeks away from making his NFL debut.
Analysis: The Browns traded their third-round pick in next year's draft to Dallas to get Rucker in the fourth round. He was a consensus first team All-American in 2007 and set Missouri's reception record with 84 receptions for 834 yards and eight touchdowns. He also set the school career record with 203 receptions. Rucker was competing to be the No. 2 tight end for the Browns behind Kellen Winslow. Hopefully he can return early in the season, but Rucker has minimal Fantasy value this year.
News: Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Martin Rucker will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee and miss four to six weeks. Rucker twisted his knee during practice Monday. He will have a piece of cartilage removed from the knee on Thursday, Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Wednesday.
Analysis: The Browns traded their third-round pick in next year's draft to Dallas to get Rucker in the fourth round. He was a consensus first team All-American in 2007 and set Missouri's reception record with 84 receptions for 834 yards and eight touchdowns. He also set the school career record with 203 receptions. Rucker was competing to be the No. 2 tight end for the Browns behind Kellen Winslow. Hopefully he can return early in the season, but Rucker has minimal Fantasy value this year.
News:Browns rookie TE Martin Rucker suffered a torn meniscus in practice on Tuesday and will be out about six weeks after he undergoes surgery, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Rucker, the Browns' fourth-round pick out of Missouri, twisted the knee on Monday afternoon and on Tuesday underwent an MRI, which revealed the tear. If Rucker is out all six weeks, he'd be ready about Sept. 23, meaning he'd miss at least the first three games of the season - at home against Dallas and Pittsburgh, and at Baltimore. With the bye week coming Oct. 5, it's conceivable the Browns would hold him out until after that, with the next game being at home against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants on Oct. 13.
Analysis: Rucker was competing to be the No. 2 tight end for the Browns behind Kellen Winslow. Hopefully he can return early in the season, but Rucker has minimal Fantasy value this year.
News: Cleveland tight end Martin Rucker and wide receiver Travis Wilson performed admirably in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jets. Rucker caught 5 passes for 70 yards and Wilson hauled in 3 balls for 58 yards.
Analysis: Rucker had a nice game but certainly won't have any Fantasy value trying to play behind Kellen Winslow in Cleveland. Wilson has a shot at having some Fantasy value. Look for Wilson to be the No. 3 receiver for the Browns ahead of Kevin Kasper, Josh Cribbs and rookie Paul Hubbard. Wilson might be worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues, but he won't make a huge contribution in Fantasy leagues this year. But this is Wilson's third year in the NFL, which is typically when receivers have a breakout season, so keep an eye on his production early on.
News: Cleveland tight end Martin Rucker and wide receiver Travis Wilson performed admirably in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jets. Rucker caught 5 passes for 70 yards and Wilson hauled in 3 balls for 58 yards.
Analysis: Rucker had a nice game but certainly won't have any Fantasy value trying to play behind Kellen Winslow in Cleveland. Wilson has a shot at having some Fantasy value. Look for Wilson to be the No. 3 receiver for the Browns ahead of Kevin Kasper, Josh Cribbs and rookie Paul Hubbard. Wilson might be worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues, but he won't make a huge contribution in Fantasy leagues this year. But this is Wilson's third year in the NFL, which is typically when receivers have a breakout season, so keep an eye on his production early on.
